System and method for selecting ringtones

ABSTRACT

A system and method for playing ringtones on a communication device. User preferences indicating a desired method for selecting a ringtone are received from the number of ringtones. The ringtone is selected from the number of ringtones based on the user preferences indicating the desired method for selecting the ringtone from the number of ringtones. Playback of the ringtone is initiated for playback on the communication device in response to being selected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/421,981 filed on Mar. 16, 2012, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FORPLAYING A RINGTONE ON A COMMUNICATION DEVICE, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/002,462 filed on Dec. 17, 2007,entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RINGTONE SHUFFLE, now U.S. Pat. No.8,145,278, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

The use of wireless devices has grown nearly exponentially in recentyears. The growth is fueled by improved technologies and wirelesscommunication protocols. Many users have come to depend on wirelessdevices as their sole or main form of communication. In many cases,these users seek to customize the features and service of their wirelessdevice to best meet their respective needs. One way in which peoplecustomize their phone is through ringtones.

A ringtone or ring tone is the sound made by a telephone indicating acall or communication is incoming. The term, however, is most often usedto refer to the customizable sounds available on mobile phones. Thisfacility was originally provided so that people would be able todetermine when their phone was ringing when in the company of othermobile phone owners. In many instances, a user may specify a song,quote, sound, rhythm, or other element to indicate a call or othercommunication is incoming. In some cases, a user may specify separateringtones for individuals that frequently call the user. Based on theringtone played at the time a communication is received, the user may beable to determine who is calling without looking at the calleridentification information or answering the phone. Unfortunately, inmany cases updating or changing ringtones may be difficult or requiremore effort than a user is willing to spend. As a result, a user mayquickly tire of the ringtones he or she has chosen and instead select tocancel the ringtone service or not use ringtones.

SUMMARY

One embodiment provides a system and method for playing ringtones on acommunication device. User preferences indicating a desired method forselecting a ringtone are received from the number of ringtones. Theringtone is selected from the number of ringtones based on the userpreferences indicating the desired method for selecting the ringtonefrom the number of ringtones. Playback of the ringtone is initiated forplayback on the communication device in response to being selected.

Another embodiment provides a method for playing ringtones on acommunication device. The method includes receiving a user preferenceindicating a desired method for playing a ringtone. In response to thecommunication device receiving a communication, the method plays theringtone based on the desired method for playing the ringtone.

Yet another embodiment provides a communication device configured toplay a selected ringtone. The communication device includes a processorfor executing a set of instructions and a memory for storing the set ofinstructions. The set of instructions when executed are configured toassociate a number of ringtones with an identifier of a communicatingdevice, receive a user preference indicating a desired method forselecting a ringtone from the number of ringtones, select the ringtonefrom the number of ringtones based on the user preference indicating thedesired method for selecting the ringtone from the number of ringtonesin response to the communication device receiving a communication fromthe communicating device associated with the identifier, and initiatethe playing of the selected ringtone on the communication device inresponse to the ringtone being selected from the number of ringtones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a wireless management system inaccordance with the illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for configuring ringtones inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a representation of a graphical user interface for configuringa ringtone portfolio in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a representation of a graphical user interface for configuringa ringtone portfolio in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for associating ringtones withcallers in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for playing a ringtone from aringtone portfolio in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a wireless management system inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The wireless managementsystem 100 of FIG. 1 includes a wireless management server 102, Internet104, a remote client 106, a graphical user interface (GUI) 108, awireless network 110, and wireless devices 112 and 114.

The wireless management server 102 may be a single component or may bemultiple interconnected devices as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1.The wireless management server 102 may include multiple servers,switches, intelligent network devices, computing devices, components andcorresponding software for performing the functions of a mobileswitching center (MSC), wireless access network, switching network,and/or wireless public exchange. The wireless management server 102 mayinclude an authentication space. The authentication space is a server orpartition of a server designated for access by one or more users. Thewireless management system 100 may communicate with any number of remoteclients through the Internet 104.

The wireless management server 102 may perform configuration and changesfor the wireless network 106 and devices in communication with thewireless network 110, such as wireless devices 112 and 114. For example,the wireless device 112 and 114 may request services, features, files,or other elements from the wireless management server 102 through thewireless network 110. As described, the user may download a ringtoneportfolio to be associated with one or more callers or communicatingparties. As used herein, a person or device that communicates with auser or receiving party is generically referred to as a calling party orcaller. The wireless management server 102 may act as a gateway, proxy,Centrex, or interface into the wireless systems. In particular, thewireless network broadcasts wireless signals to the wireless devices 112and 114. The wireless network 110 may use any number of broadcasttransceivers, switches, hubs, routers, communications lines, and serversin addition to the wireless management server 102 to send and receivecommunications.

The wireless devices 112 and 114, may be any type of wireless devicesincluding cellular phones, a Blackberry®, personal digital assistants(PDA), laptops, evolution data optimized (EDO) cards, multi-modedevices, and other wireless communications elements. The wirelessnetwork may use any number of wireless communication formats including,but not limited to code division multiple access (CDMA), global systemfor mobile (GSM) communications, time domain multiple access (TDMA),WiFi, and WiMAX. The wireless management server specifies how and whenthe wireless devices 112 and 114 communicate with other devices andother wireless networks, publicly switched networks, data networks, suchas the Internet, and other public and private communications networksthat interact with the wireless network 110.

The wireless management server 102, the wireless network 110, and theremote client 106 may communicate using a wired or wireless connection.For example, the remote client 106 may be connected to the wirelessmanagement server 102 by a fiber optic connection, T1, cable, DSL,satellite, high-speed trunk, or wireless connection. The wirelessmanagement server 102 and the remote client 106 may communicate usingany number of communications protocols. In one embodiment, thecommunication is a common channel signaling system 7 (SS7). SS7 refersto the exchange of information between communications componentsrequired to provide and maintain service. The communications may also bebased on transmission control protocol (TCP) and Internet protocol (IP)standards.

The remote client 106 and components of the wireless management server102 may be an advanced intelligence network (AIN) device. AIN devicesallow the wireless management server 102 and remote client 106 toquickly and economically create and modify telecommunication servicesprovided through the wireless network 110 for the users. For example,the wireless management server 102 may update ringtones synchronized tothe wireless devices 112 and 114 based on information received from theremote client 106. The wireless management server 102 may be operated bya wireless service provider or other communications service provider

A user may access the graphical user interface 108 in order to manageringtone selections, associations, and playback for one or more of thewireless devices 112 and 114. A user may be first required to provide asecure identifier, such as a user name, password, or otherauthentication code or hardware interface that verifies that the user isauthorized to make ringtone changes for the specified wireless device112 and 114. This authentication information may be used to create asecured or unsecured connection between the remote client 106 and thewireless management server 102. The secure connection may be a virtualprivate network tunnel, an encrypted connection, firewall, or other formof secured communications link.

Once connected, the user may use the options, screens, and modules ofthe graphical user interface 108 to create ringtone selections, edituser preferences, select ringtones, and perform other tasks allowedwithin the authentication space. The authentication space of the server118 is configured so that the remote client 106 may only make changes towireless devices controlled by the authentication space 124. In oneembodiment, the graphical user interface is a web page interfaceprovided by the wireless management server 102. Wireless devices mayalso be connected to the remote client 106 using an electronic interfaceto identify, register and configure the wireless device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for configuring ringtones inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. A system 200 for configuringringtones may include numerous elements including a wireless device 202and memory 204, a website 206, and a communication system 208.

The communication system 208 may further include software modules,applications, or hardware including a user interface 210, ringtonepreferences 212, and ringtones 214. The wireless device 202 is aparticular implementation of the wireless device 102 of FIG. 1. Thewebsite 206 is a particular implementation of the graphical userinterface 108 of FIG. 1. The communication system 208 is a particularimplementation of the wireless management server 102 of FIG. 1. Thecommunication system 200 may allow a user to establish preferences orotherwise configure the wireless device 202 or other communicationsdevice to play or implement ringtones based on incoming communications.

In one embodiment, the user may establish the ringtone preferences 212and ringtones 214 by accessing the communication system 208 through thewireless device 202 or the user interface 210. In another embodiment,the elements of the communication system 208 may be stored andimplemented from the memory 204 of the wireless device 202. For example,all the ringtone preferences 212 and ringtones may be stored locally onthe wireless device 202 so that communications are not required betweenthe wireless device 202 and the communication system 208 in order toimplement the features and processes herein described. In yet anotherembodiment, the user may access the website 206 or other interface inorder to establish the ringtone preferences 212 and the ringtones 214that are played by the wireless device 202.

As previously described, the system 200 may be used to establishringtone portfolio groupings or selections that may be played based oncommunications from one or more callers. The system 200 may allow theuser to associate an identifier for each caller for determining whichringtone selection or grouping are to be played based on a incomingcommunication from the caller. The user interface 210 is an interfacefor receiving configurations, commands, data, or other information fromthe wireless device 202 or the website 206. The wireless device 202 andwebsite 206 may communicate with the user interface 210 through awireless or wired network connection.

In another embodiment, the user may access the Internet through thewireless device 202 in order to establish a connection with the userinterface 210. The communication between the wireless device 202 and thewebsite 206 with the user interface 210 may implemented through asecured connection or may require authentication, such as a user name,password, key identifiers, or other security information, in order toensure that only an authenticated user is able to access thecommunication system 208.

The communication system 208 may be a server, mobile switching center,intelligent network device, switch, or other communications device usedby a communication service provider to implement ringtone functionality.In one embodiment, the communication system 208 is a server which mayinclude a processor, memory, transceiver, and other computing elementsfor communicating with the wireless device 202 and the website 206.

The ringtone preferences 212 are the preferences, instructions,commands, criteria, data or other information that control playback andimplementation of the ringtones 214 by the wireless device 202. Inparticular, the user interface 210 may provide a graphical display orother interface allowing the user to visually, graphically, textually,or audibly set the preferences for the wireless device 202. Particularimplementations of the user interface 210 are described in FIG. 3 andFIG. 4.

The ringtone preferences 212 set the type, order, amount,classification, content and other configuration of the ringtones 214. Inone embodiment, the ringtone preferences 212 may be configured toautomatically upload the ringtones 214 to the memory 204 of the wirelessdevice 202 once the changes or configurations are made. In anotherembodiment, the ringtone preferences 212 may establish a synchronizationtime or update period for which the wireless device 202 automaticallyconnects to the communication system 208 in order to update theringtones 214 and/or the ringtone preferences 212.

In one example, the user may configure the ringtone preferences 212 toplay a particular '80's rock band when the user's brother calls. Theringtones 214 included in the '80's rock band may be personally selectedfrom the wireless device 202 or they may be randomly selected by thecommunication system 208 based on the ringtone preferences 212. Theringtone preferences 212 may be configured to randomly select an '80'srock song as a ringtone that is automatically uploaded bi-weekly to thewireless device 202 and played from the memory 204 anytime the user'sbrother calls or otherwise communicates with the wireless device 202.The ringtones 214 may be set to play any portion of a ringtone. In oneembodiment, a different portion of a song may be played as a ringtoneeach time that ringtone is used in order to further avoid repetition inringtone playback. For example, a ringtone selection for the user'smother may be set to play a portion of the top five country songs fromthe year the user's mother graduated from high school. The portion ofthe song played as a ringtone may vary each time so that differentportions of the top five country songs are played until the ringtoneselection is automatically or manually updated by the user.

In another embodiment, the ringtones 214 may include a ringtone libraryor access to another server, website, or device storing or servingringtones or other information from which the user may select particularsongs, genres, composers, artists, CDs, albums, time periods, eras, orother criteria for manually or automatically select or create ringtones.For example, the user may select ten classical songs from Mozartportions of which are to be played as ringtones anytime the user'sgrandmother calls. A different set of ten classical pieces of music fromBach may be played whenever the user's grandmother text messages orotherwise sends an electronic message. The ringtone preferences 212 maybe set to sequentially play the ringtones 214 or to play them randomlyor in another order specified by the user. For example, the user may setthe ringtones 214 for the user's manager to play Beatles music in theorder the songs were released. The ringtone preferences 212 allow theuser the flexibility to set the preferences for playback of theringtones 214 so that the user does not hear the same ringtone over andover again. Additionally, the user is encouraged to learn new music,songs, or otherwise enjoy the playback of ringtones 214 instead ofhearing the same ringtones played repeatedly for the same callers.

The communication system 208 may include any number of computingelements that are not explicitly called out including a processor,memory, bus, transceivers, interfaces, and other hardware and softwarecomponents. The processor may be a computer processor, or otherprocessing device or element used by the communication system 400 toexecute instructions, modules, logic, or otherwise process data.

The memory may be a static or dynamic storage medium, such as staticrandom access memory, flash memory, or dynamic random access memory.However, the memory may be a hard disk, read-only memory, or othersuitable form or combination of volatile or nonvolatile memory. Thememory may store user preferences, data, information, applications, andinstructions for execution by the processor to implement the ringtoneshuffle functions of the communications system 208. The communicationservice provider operation the communication system 208 may ensure thata license or other rights is acquired to use the ringtones derived fromcopyrighted works by the service provider or by the user.

FIG. 3 is a representation of a graphical user interface for configuringa ringtone portfolio in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG.3 is a particular implementation of the user interface 210 that may bedisplayed by the website 206 or the wireless device 202, all of FIG. 2.The user interface may include any number of buttons, icons, lists,screens, columns, sections or other graphical selection elements. Theuser interface 300 includes sections 302, 304, 306, 308 and 310. In oneembodiment, the user interface 300 may be part of a web page or web pagegraphic displayed to the user through as website on a wireless device,communications device, or computing device.

The user interface 300 may control how the ringtones are played to oneor more callers. The example shown in FIG. 3 is for particular types ofringtones associated with music which may include classical, rock, pop,jazz and rap. Any number of types of music in addition to thoseillustrated in the user interface 300 may also be utilized, includinguser defined or customized categories that are defined by the user, suchas comedy routines, movie clips, and user created instrumentals orsounds.

As shown in section 302, the user may select an identifier that islinked to a number of ringtones. The identifier may be a phone number,IP address, user name, nickname, caller ID information, e-mail address,or other similar information that may be electronically determined orverified. The identifier for one or more callers may be linked withselected ringtones or randomly selected ringtones. One or more callersmay be associated with each selection or grouping of ringtones.Additionally, any number of identifiers may be selected for each caller.For example, the user's father may be identified by a work number and acell phone number, whereas, the user's mother may be identified by ahome number, a cell phone number, and an IP address from which she maymake calls to the user. The number of callers or identifiers for each ofthe callers that may be linked with a selection or portfolio ofringtones is not limited.

As shown in section 304, the user may select to randomly play any of tenselected ringtones when Jason calls or communicates using any of thelisted identifiers or numbers. As a result when Jason calls the user,one of the ten selected ringtones is played to the user. The userinterface 300 may also be used to list available ringtones by anycategory, type, classification, or other searchable criteria. In oneembodiment, the user may be able to establish or create customizedringtones using music, quotes, sounds or other electronic materials.

As shown in section 306, random pop songs may be played whenever anyonewithin the friends category calls the user. As shown, the friendscategory may include four separate identifiers. The user interface 300allows the user to customize the ringtones that are received and in somecases, the user may be required to guess who is calling based on thetype of music played. For example, if the user receives a call and ajazz ringtone begins to play, the user may be able to determine that Lizis calling based on the information in section 308. However, if a popringtone begins to play, the user knows that any one of the people,individuals or wireless devices indicated by identifiers in section 306may be calling the user. The result is a fun way to guess or determinewho is calling the user and to make ringtones coming from the phone muchmore entertaining and fun.

As shown in section 310, the ringtones may also be set to automaticallysynchronize to the wireless device or communications device. As aresult, the ringtones for section 310 are automatically uploaded to thewireless device for playback. The synchronization may occur manuallybased on a selection from the user or automatically based on userpreferences. For example, the user may establish that the rap ringtoneslinked with Lillian and Frank are to be selected from a top ten listgenerated weekly. As a result, the top ten ringtones associated with rapsongs may be uploaded to the wireless device for playback when a call isreceived from any of the identifiers listed in section 310.

FIG. 4 is a representation of a graphical user interface for configuringa ringtone portfolio in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG.4 illustrates another embodiment of a user interface 400. The userinterface may include sections 402, 404, 406 and 408. As before, theuser may link any number of callers or identifiers with the selectedringtones. For example, as shown in section 402, anytime Robert callsand the identifiers listed are recognized by the wireless device, aringtone associated with the popular artist is played based on therelease date. Similarly, the ringtones played by the popular artist maybe synchronized or updated daily, weekly, monthly, or as specified bythe user. For example, the ringtone selections used one month may bereplaced by all new ringtones selections the next month that are stillsang by the popular artist.

As shown in section 404, the ringtones may also be generated from aselected album, such as music, comedy, instrumental, or other albumcollection. The ringtones may be played randomly when a communication isreceived from one of the phone numbers or e-mail addresses as shown.

As shown in section 406, the ringtones may be selected from an era, suchas the '80's. As a result, the selected songs may be played inalphabetical order anytime the caller communicates with the user. Theselected songs may also be manually picked by the user using the userinterface 400 or another page or access point available from the userinterface 400.

In section 408, the ringtones are based on the current pop top ten. Forexample, the ringtones may be selected from a list of the top ten mostpopular songs as determined by the communication service provider orother third party. The current pop top ten ringtones may be synchronizedweekly and played randomly from the list whenever the listed callercalls the user. The section 408 may also specify alternatively listings,rating, or tracking for specifying ringtones. For example, the user mayselect to play the top five songs.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for associating ringtones withcallers in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process ofFIG. 5 may be implemented by a user utilizing a wireless device or otheruser interface, or another computing device to implement variousringtone features.

The process begins by first accessing a ringtone interface (step 502).As previously described, the ringtone interface may be a web page, touchscreen of a wireless device, or other interface configured to receivefeedback from a user. The user may be required to provide a password oraccess the ringtone interface from a particular wireless device.

Next, the user may group ringtones for specified callers (step 504).During step 504, the user may create ringtone portfolios or selectionsof ringtones that are to be played anytime a specified callercommunicates with the user. The ringtones may be grouped with thecallers using identifiers, which may include phone numbers, e-mailaddresses, user names, IP addresses, caller identification information,or other data or information.

Next, the user sets synchronization and user preferences (step 506).During step 506, the user may set the ringtones to be automaticallyuploaded or downloaded to a wireless device. The user may also set thepreferences that control playback of the ringtones, including how andwhen the ringtones are managed, selected and played. For example, a newset of ringtones may be set to automatically synchronize or download tothe wireless device every other day. In another embodiment, theringtones may be changed from one grouping to the next grouping based onthe user preferences on a monthly basis.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for playing a ringtone from aringtone portfolio in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Theprocess of FIG. 6 may be implemented by a wireless management system 602and a wireless device 604.

The wireless management system 602 receives user preferences andringtone groupings for callers (step 606). The wireless managementsystem 602 updates ringtones based on the user preferences (step 608).The updates of step 608 may occur based on criteria specified by theuser in the user preferences. Alternatively, the ringtones may beupdated based on a program or set feature of the ringtones serviceprovided to the user.

Next, the wireless device 604 receives the ringtone updates (step 610).As a result, the wireless device 604 is periodically updated with newringtones as selected by the user, or alternatively, the user may setthe user preferences to receive new ringtones only when selected ormanually indicated by the user using the wireless device 604. Althoughthe wireless device 604 is described in FIG. 6, any number ofcommunications devices including landline phones, voice over InternetProtocol (VoIP) telephones or other computing and communications devicesmay be used to implement the steps and process of FIG. 6.

The wireless device 604 may at any time receive an incoming call (step612). The incoming call may also be a phone call, text message, e-mail,instant chat, or other real-time or discreet electronic communicationreceived by the wireless device 604. The wireless device 604 determinesan identifier associated with the caller (step 614). The identifier maybe any information or data that links the caller with a grouping or oneor more ringtones. In one embodiment, the wireless device 604 may beunable to link the caller with an identifier or other associatedinformation. As a result, a default ringtone or ringtone grouping may beplayed to the user or a ringtone indicating that the identifier is notrecognized. The user may set a ringtone grouping for callers that haveidentifiers that are not recognized by the wireless device 602.

The wireless device 604 determines whether random or sequential ringtoneplayback is selected for the caller (step 616). Random or sequentialringtone playback may be selected by the user in the user preferences.If sequential playback is selected, the wireless device 604 plays aringtone from the ringtone selection in a sequence (step 618). Thesequence may be established by the user and user preferences. Forexample, the sequence may be based on release date, track number,alphabet, user rating, or other information or criteria selected by theuser. If the determination of step 616 is for random playback, thewireless device 604 plays a ringtone from the ringtone selectionrandomly (step 620). As a result, the ringtones are played randomlywhenever the caller calls or communicates with the wireless device 604.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of theinvention disclosed with greater particularity.

What is claimed:
 1. A method for playing ringtones on a communicationdevice, the method comprising: receiving a user preference indicating adesired method for selecting a ringtone from the plurality of ringtones;in response to the communication device receiving a communication from acommunicating device associated with the identifier, selecting theringtone from the plurality of ringtones based on the user preferenceindicating the desired method for selecting the ringtone from theplurality of ringtones; and initiating playing of the ringtone inresponse to the ringtone being selected from the plurality of ringtones.2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the identifier is any of acaller identification, associated phone number, nickname, email address,user name, and IP address.
 3. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe selection of the plurality of ringtones is made automatically basedon a criterion.
 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein thecriterion is enabled to be a particular artist, a music genre, andpopularity based on a weekly ranking of songs.
 5. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the ringtone is retrieved from a remote device inresponse to being selected from the plurality of ringtones.
 6. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein a different portion of a song isplayed as the ringtone each time the ringtone is used to avoidrepetition.
 7. The method according to claim 3, further comprising:automatically updating the plurality of ringtones.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 7, wherein automatically updating further comprises:downloading the selection of ringtones to the communications device at aspecified interval from a remote device storing the selection ofringtones.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the desiredmethod for selecting the ringtone from the plurality of ringtones isconfigured to be random or sequential in response to information storedin the user preference.
 10. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: automatically synchronizing the plurality of ringtones tothe communication device.
 11. A method for playing ringtones on acommunication device, the method comprising: receiving a user preferenceindicating a desired method for playing a ringtone; in response to thecommunication device receiving a communication, playing the ringtonebased on the desired method for playing the ringtone.
 12. The method forplaying the ringtone according to claim 11, wherein the desired methodfor playing the ringtone is user selectable to be (1) randomly play anyportion of the ringtone and (2) play a user-specified portion of theringtone.
 13. The method for playing the ringtone according to claim 11,wherein the selection of the plurality of ringtones is madeautomatically based on a criterion in the user preference, and whereinthe plurality of ringtones are automatically synchronized to thecommunication device.
 14. The method for playing the ringtone accordingto claim 11, further comprising: storing an indication of a last playedendpoint of the ringtone; and wherein the desired method for playing theringtone is playing the ringtone at the last played endpoint of theringtone in response to the communication device receiving thecommunication.
 15. A communication device configured to play a selectedringtone, the communication device comprising: a processor for executinga set of instructions; and a memory for storing the set of instructions,wherein the set of instructions when executed is configured to: receivea user preference indicating a desired method for selecting a ringtonefrom a plurality of ringtones; select the ringtone from the plurality ofringtones based on the user preference indicating the desired method forselecting the ringtone from the plurality of ringtones in response tothe communication device receiving a communication from a communicatingdevice associated with the identifier; and initiate the playing of theringtone on the communication device in response to the ringtone beingselected from the plurality of ringtones.
 16. The communication deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein the selection of plurality of ringtonesis made automatically based on a criterion.
 17. The communication deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein the desired method for selecting theringtone from the plurality of ringtones is user selectable to be randomand sequential.
 18. The communication device according to claim 16,wherein the criterion is enabled to be a particular artist, a musicgenre, and popularity based on a weekly ranking of songs.
 19. Thecommunication device according to claim 15, wherein the set ofinstructions are further executed to: automatically synchronize theplurality of ringtones to the communication device.
 20. The wirelessdevice according to claim 15, wherein the set of instructions arefurther executed to: automatically update the plurality of ringtonesfrom a remote device.